Akid ta Book 2 Hausa Novel Complete
After greeting Saleh, Yusuf entered Widad's room and found him sitting quietly, lost in thought. Yusuf stood as Saleh greeted him.
Saleh asked, “How's your health?”
Yusuf smiled faintly. “Alhamdulillah, I'm feeling much better now.”
Saleh sighed. “I hope so. I saw your wife earlier in the courtyard, struggling. She seemed overwhelmed and a bit of a mess.”
Yusuf chuckled. “You don't even know the half of it. You should see the chaos she's caused for Gwaggo. Gwaggo doesn’t take nonsense lightly. May Allah ease her burden.”
Saleh shook his head. “It's unfortunate that a young woman like her doesn’t even know how to handle simple house chores. It's a real shame.”
Yusuf raised an eyebrow. “And whose fault is that? If she wasn’t taught, how could she know?”
Saleh responded, “Who would teach her? She’s known for being headstrong and even disrespectful to men.”
Yusuf smiled wryly. “Remember, Saleh, we’re talking about my wife here.”
Saleh grinned sheepishly. “Ah, may God forgive me. I forgot. Let's leave her alone and turn our minds back to Daula's daughter.”
Yusuf grew quiet, lost in thought. Sensing something was amiss, Saleh asked, “Is everything okay?”
Yusuf hesitated before replying, “Saleh, there’s something troubling me deeply. Widad still doesn’t know the truth about me. I don’t know how to tell her, and I’m scared of how she’ll react. If I try to explain, I fear she’ll get angry or, worse, despise me. I’m truly afraid of hurting her.”
Saleh nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, but you’re a man, Yusuf. She’s your wife, and she’s shown some good qualities despite her flaws. She shouldn’t be in the dark about who you are, especially since she trusts you.”
Yusuf sighed. “Saleh, do you remember what Widad said yesterday? She swore she’d never forgive anyone who lied to her or betrayed her. That’s who she is.”
Saleh replied, “I do remember, but she also has a strong bond with you. That matters. If you must tell her, don’t let her hear it from someone else. Be upfront and honest. If you delay, it might create more problems. She might feel betrayed if someone else tells her. Trust me, Yusuf, honesty is the best way forward.”
Yusuf shook his head. “You don’t understand, Saleh. She has no tolerance for betrayal. What if she hates me after this? She already seems distant, as if her love for me has faded. I can’t risk pushing her further away.”
Saleh smiled. “Yusuf, every love story has its trials. You’ve done so much for Widad, and she should recognize that. She’s not perfect, but you owe it to yourself and her to be honest. Before you leave this town, clear the air and see where you stand.”
Yusuf looked troubled. “I don’t even know where to start, Saleh. I’m scared of what might happen next. What if she misunderstands me completely?”
Saleh laughed lightly. “It’s like this is your first time in love, Yusuf.”
Yusuf gave a weak smile. “It’s not. I fell in love once before and swore I’d never let myself feel that way again. Then Widad came into my life, and she healed a pain I thought would never go away. Now, I realize I love her even more than I loved the first woman.”
Saleh placed a reassuring hand on Yusuf’s shoulder. “You’re being tested, Yusuf. I pray that Allah guides you through this and strengthens your bond.”
Just then, Widad entered the room. Her face was pale, her forehead glistening with sweat, and her uncovered head revealed her exhaustion. She greeted them both briefly before turning to Saleh.
"Excuse us, please," she said softly.
Saleh nodded, stood, and left the room.
Widad turned to Yusuf, her tone sharp. “You’re sitting here chatting while the call to prayer has already been made. You should know better. Get up and pray.”
Yusuf lowered his gaze, embarrassed. “You’re right. I feel so ashamed of myself.”